Assessing the Predictive Validity of the Short Form Vaping Consequences Questionnaire: Positive Reinforcement Subscale

Abstract

This study tested the predictive validity of Positive Reinforcement Subscale (PRS) of the Short Form Vaping Consequences Questionnaire (S-VCQ). Participants were 37 college students (age > 18) who vaped at least 3 days a week and have not used tobacco products daily during the past month. Because four of the five items focus on taste, it was assumed the sub-scale primarily measures vaping for taste. Using a blind, randomized sniff test as the criterion, it was predicted that e-cigarette users would be consistent in rating e-juices flavors similar to their usually used flavor higher in Likability than they would rate other flavors. The study’s primary hypothesis was that those who were Consistent would have higher PRS scores than those who were Inconsistent. Analyses did not show significant differences in PRS scores between those who were Consistent versus Inconsistent. Sample characteristics and perceptions may have contributed to these findings.